AboutCharles Cusumano, FMP, PA-C Expertise I will answer all questions pertaining to first aid. These include medical emergencies, trauma care, home protection and will dispell myths associated with home remedies and general medical care.
Experience I am a nationally certified Physician Assistant/Family Medicine Practitioner. I am ACLS certified; serve as the healthcare provider for our high school basketball team. I have been in practice since 1975 and have taught Amulatory Pediatric Trauma classes at a Physician Assistant Program in Colorado. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Question The rider is face down on the ground with blood coming from mouth and I believe the ears also. The other rider with him calls for an ambulance. 911 operator says to roll him on his back (I do not believe this to be a proper procedure). My friend was brain dead and died at the hospital several hours later. What should have been done till the paramedics arrived? A friend later told me the only reason to roll the victim to there back was for chest compressions. Yet the neck is suppose to be put into a neck brace first. Then the victim is laid on their side, I believe so they don't choke on there blood and both lungs don't fill up with fluids.
Can you please tell me the proper procedure if there is one for someone without any first-aid or CPR experience in this situation. I would like to be of help if I ever came across an accident like this.
Answer Hi Michael,
First, you shouldn't move the victim. If there are two of you, a careful controlled roll holding the head in the helmet is OK. If there is only one responder, turning a victim can turn serious injuries to potentially deadly injuries. Best to leave the patient face down.
